Crawley and Duckett put England in charge

Openers on form to back up Stokes’ five-for at Old Trafford

- By DAVID CHARLESWORTH

ZAK CRAWLEY and Ben Duckett stunned India with another mighty opening stand after England captain Ben Stokes’ first five-wicket haul in Tests since September 2017.

England's openers reprised their Headingley heroics, which helped them draw first blood in last month’s series opener, putting on 166 in 32 overs after India were all out for 358 at Emirates Old Trafford.

Neither was able to get to three figures as Duckett fell six runs short and Crawley was out for 84, with England going to stumps after day two of the fourth Rothesay Test on 225 for two.

That they only sit 133 behind and in a favourable position to move into an unassailable 3-1 series lead owes much to Stokes, who claimed five for 72 to restrict an India side who were able to call upon Rishabh Pant as he defied an injury to his right foot.

Less than 24 hours after retiring hurt on 37 and being taken off the field on a golf buggy, Pant resumed his innings although substitute fielder Dhruv Jurel is taking on wicketkeeper duties for the rest of the Test.

Amid reports of a broken metatarsal - India have not publicly confirmed the severity of his injury - Pant limped every time he moved forward before being bowled for 54 by Jofra Archer, who claimed three for 73.